HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Greenwich businessman Tom Foley, the endorsed Republican candidate for governor, is set to receive more than $1.3 million for his GOP primary campaign.
The State Elections Enforcement Commission determined Wednesday that Foley submitted the required $250,000 in small contributions needed to qualify for the public financing. Foley had submitted his application earlier but was required to provide additional information on certain donors.
Foley will receive $1.35 million for the Aug. 12 primary. He's being challenged by Senate Minority Leader John McKinney. Should he win, Foley will receive $6.5 million for the general election, where he will face Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy.
Also Wednesday, the commission awarded a $406,275 primary grant to Republican lieutenant governor candidate Heather Somers.
Democratic Attorney General George Jepsen qualified for $812,550 for his re-election campaign.
Organized labor is continuing to throw its political support to Malloy, despite the Democrat's 2011 battle with state employee unions over labor concessions.
On Wednesday, Malloy received the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union, which represents 65,000 workers, including 20,000 active state employees and thousands of retired state employees.
Malloy said he believes state employees have since realized they're in a better position with him as governor compared with unionized state workers in other states.
Malloy has also received the backing of the American Federation of Teachers in Connecticut and the Connecticut AFL-CIO, a labor umbrella organization.
Foley and McKinney, as well as liberal petitioning candidate Jonathan Pelto, have each reported receiving support from rank-and-file union members.
